PHYSALIA

BREAKFAST

Gravlax, eggs, avocado, mustard aioli, sourdough

Quiche of the day

Tortilla de patatas

Lemon ricotta pancakes

Sizzling shakshuka, flatbread

Fresh baked Irish brown bread, eggs, vine roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon

Yogurt, seasonal fruit, granola, honey

 

LUNCH

Grilled peach burrata salad

Beer battered local fish sandwich on homemade potato bun

Fresh baked focaccia, mortadella, pesto, mozzarella, semi sundried tomatoes, balsamic glaze

Seared duck breast, Vietnamese green papaya salad

Local fish ceviche

Puerto Rican asopao, avocado, tostones

Lionfish taco on homemade corn tortilla

 

APPETIZERS

Baba ghanoush, flatbread

Lobster croquettes

Fermented tea leaf salad

Spicy tuna on crispy rice paper

Fresh baked potato buns, herbed butter

Local fish carpaccio

Mushroom soup made with St. Thomas grown mushrooms

 

DINNER

Rack of lamb, roasted carrots with harissa, grilled califlower salad, saffron couscous

Puerto Rican oxtail fricassee, rice, avocado, plantains

Burmese chicken coconut curry, jasmine rice, paratha

Sushi night!

Cedar plank fish of the day, celery root puree, parsley aioli, zucchini

Pan seared local fish, Greek salad, lemon roasted potatoes, flatbread, tzatziki

Homemade pumpkin ricotta tortelini, seared scallops, sage brown butter, crispy sage

 

DESSERTS

Pistachio cake

Coquito

mango sticky rice

Chocolate chip cookies, sea salt

Espresso chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream

passionfruit squares

Tiramisu

 

 

 


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• TENDER: 13ft, 40hp, with room for 8
• Kneeboard
• Standup paddleboards
• Snorkeling gear
• Wakeboard
• 1-person kayak
• Kite boarding
• If guests are interested in Kiteboarding or wing foiling, the crew will build this into the itinerary and make the necessary arrangements for equipment
• Fishing Gear
• Underwater camera/video
• Floating mat

Resumen de buceo

Detalles de precios de buceo

MEET YOUR CREW - Captain Chris Stubbs and Captain/Chef Kaya Carrion


Chris has been sailing since he was a small child growing up surrounded by the barrier islands and marshes of the Carolinas. His first jobs were teaching sailing and then crewing larger monohulls which led to several months aboard a 120’ schooner in New Zealand at 18. At the College of Charleston, he doubled in Anthropology and Geology with a minor in Archeology while first working as a Divemaster and Aquarium Diver, and then later joining the scientific and marine crews aboard oceanographic research vessels. Chris continued working aboard research and survey vessels through grad school while completing his Masters in Geology at UCSB. In this time, he made the first maps of tens of thousands of seafloor methane seeps in offshore California, the Gulf of Mexico, and Siberia. He also began taking friends on epic bareboat sailing adventures in the Channel Islands while advancing his scuba background and exploring his new obsession of kitesurfing.

Following grad school, he continued working in the marine geophysical survey and oceanography industries beginning in Antarctica. In 2013, he established his own freelance consulting business, and to date has worked in all the world's oceans and continents while maintaining an excellent offshore safety record. A passionate maritime tour guide, Chris holds a 100-ton USCG Master Captain license and loves introducing his charter guests to the wonders of the Virgin Islands. A life-long extrovert, Chris loves meeting people from all walks of life and sharing stories. He spends his free time traveling, kitesurfing/foiling, trying to break out of the beginner ranks of free diving and wing foiling, and playing in the ocean with his wife Kaya.



Kaya was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She spent her life fishing, crewing, and living aboard boats traversing the British, US, and Spanish Virgin Islands, particularly Culebra Island where her family vacation home was located. Kaya was introduced into the world of scientific SCUBA diving at Florida International University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree and worked in a seagrass ecology lab. Kaya graduated summa cum laude, with undergraduate research experience, and membership into Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Her marine biology career continued soon after in the Virgin Islands, where she completed her Master's degree and expanded her diving experience, becoming a certified technical diver with TDI advanced nitrox and decompression diving.

More recently, Kaya’s marine science career focuses on tropical coral and fish ecology. Her diving experiences have been incredibly unique with hundreds of scientific dives completing surveys for coral health, coral reef fishes, lobster, and more. Kaya is also a highly skilled captain and holds a USCG 100-ton Master license. Apart from her ocean experiences, Kaya is fully bilingual and grew up in a family of passionate foodies including several professional chefs. Her food passion started with Puerto Rican cuisine, but grew after traveling the world where she learned and became passionate about authentic foods from Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Greece, Peru, South Korea, Morocco, and many other countries, cooking and learning from locals at homestays throughout her multiple backpacking journeys. Kaya can provide signature dishes from many regions of the world and cater to a broad array of pallets.



Kaya and Chris met on a marine science job in Culebra, PR in 2015 and were soon spending every free moment together. After the job, Chris followed Kaya first around Puerto Rico, and then began visiting her between jobs. Conspiring with her sisters, Chris surprised Kaya during a visit to see family in Ireland when she finally agreed to be his girlfriend. They have since crossed the US via campervan, traveled through dozens of countries, and lived in CA, FL, PR, and the USVI together. They have made a point of taking regional cooking classes as they have traveled the world, and take pride in being adventurous eaters. They are both passionate marine scientists with teaching experience at the university level, and love introducing their guests to the wonders of the ocean world. Their combined skills and experience offer travelers a broad array of options for indulging in all aspects of life at sea. They specialize in the BVI, USVI, and Spanish VI where Kaya grew up cruising and they both know intimately. Chris and Kaya got engaged on a trip to Australia in 2022 and celebrated their wedding in June 2024.

Be sure to follow Physalia on instagram! @sv_physalia

Hands Down The Best Trip

This has to be hands down one of the best trips I have ever been on. The food was AMAZING! We had some cabbage thing with green sauce on top. It was so good. Ten out of ten.

I also learned how to dive and I was great. Highly recommended. When I was diving I got to see my dad kill/catch a lion fish and a lobster! Let me tell you, Chris and Kaya are good teachers because my dad (who has never ever ever tried to catch a lobster before) caught this beast! It was 6.5 pounds!!! That thing was huge!

While we did our charter we learned how smart Chris and Kaya are because they came up with a way for their beloved dog Waldo to go to the bathroom on the boat. Also Waldo had flawless dismounts of the dinghy and onto the beach. He gets a ten out of ten. He also found hidden treasure (a yellow tennis ball).

I had a wonderful time and hope I can see Chris and Kaya at Topsail one day. Also, don’t play two truths and a lie with them because they have done some really cool things. I hope I can come back soon because the food at home sucks compared to Kaya’s.
Sammy P.

Kindness, Warmth and Generosity

Chris and Kaya,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for welcoming us onboard and sharing such a special part of your lives with us. It meant so much to us to enjoy your beautiful boat and to see your passion first hand. Your kindness, warmth, and generosity made us feel so at home. We feel lucky to have had a glimpse into something you love so much. Wishing you nothing but smooth sailing, amazing adventures, and all the success in the world. You deserve it!

With love and gratitude,
AJ, Susie, Sammy, and Cooper.



What An Amazing Week!

What an amazing week for our family!
To be in such a beautiful place and cared for so well was a gift for us all. As the usual vacation director, it was especially wonderful for me to not have to be the cruise director for my family of 6!
Chris and Kaya handled every detail with expertise and grace. While I’m grateful my 4 kids got to snorkel, fish, soak up the sun and sail, I'm so happy they got to witness the many levels of skill required to pull off the trip of their dreams.
Unlike most vacations where the captain and chef and supporting staff are behind closed doors, (giving the appearance of instant gratification and ease) we got to know these two incredible people that possess and incredible level of knowledge and skill and were applying them at every moment for our benefit. This deepens our appreciation of the experiences and the people making it possible. What a gift!

This is our last major family vacation for a while. Our 3 oldest will be in college for the next 6 years so we’re entering a new season in our life journey. We’re all going to hold onto these memories with joy.
It was the perfect trip for us to share together as an ending to this chapter of life as a family of 6 with everyone under the same roof. We got lots of togetherness and quality time I will treasure always.

Thank you Chris and Kaya for opening your lives to others and creating these opportunities for connection - with nature, each other, and the two of you!

- All the best, Deese family

You Three Did Not Disappoint

Chris, Kaya, and Waldo,
We were told by close friends this was the trip of their lifetime, largely due to the experience of the time spent on the boat with their family and the crew that made their time so memorable. You three did not disappoint! This is a huge year for our family and you helped us “ice our cake” with such an enjoyable trip. It was as much relaxing as it was exciting getting to experience the USVI as a local would get to by boat.
The boating, snorkeling, hiking, foiling, etc. was amazing! Thank you both for sharing so much of the island with us and making this an unforgettable vacation! The two of you have created and are living a beautiful life that most people only scratch the surface and get to do. It’s enviable!
Keep up the amazing work! It’s awesome to see!
Kaya, the food and the passion you have for cooking translates through not only the delivery but the taste! YOU ARE AMAZING!
Waldo, keep barking, keep digging, keep zooming!
We had a blast!

Love, Sam and Jennifer S.

Experience Has Been Amazing!!

Final day on the boat and it is very bittersweet!
As excited as I am to go home, the amount of joy and excitement I have had on this charter will not be forgotten. Chris was an amazing guide on hikes and Kaya knew everything about everything. My entire experience has been amazing and I cannot wait to come back! The views, snorkeling, rock jumping, hydrofoiling, and hiking were all amazing, but it was the time spent with Kaya and Chris that was memorable.
P.S. The food is NO JOKE!

Sammy

Amazing Adventure

Thanks for everything on our trip! Y’all made it feel like home. Kaya’s food was amazing! And thanks for putting me on to new foods. Chris, thanks for teaching me how to foil. I want to thank both of y’all for this amazing adventure and will hopefully be back in the near future!

Will (17)

Our Family's Second Trip on Physalia - Another Epic Adventure!

Another epic adventure!
This is our family’s second trip on Physalia! When my daughter graduated from high school in 2023, this is what she chose for her senior trip. Fast forward to this year and it was time for my son to graduate high school. He could have chosen anywhere for his senior trip, but unwaveringly chose to come back to Physalia!

Our itinerary was different, but no less awe-inspiring than our first time aboard. I truly cannot say enough good things about Chris and Kaya (and Waldo!). Their knowledge and experience make it as educational as it is fun. Kaya’s cooking is PHENOMENAL and Chris’s excursions are super fun!

The additions to the boat since 2023, hammocks, the fly bridge, transom extensions, and deck chairs have only improved the experience! The worst part is when it’s over!

We don't have any more kids to graduate, but hopefully this won't be the last we see of Chris, Kaya, and Waldo. Love you all and thanks for everything!

- Ed and DeAnna Blackburn, Greenville SC

Our Second Trip with Physalia - the Best Vacation Ever

Chris, Kaya, and Waldo,

Thank you for another wonderful vacation.
I could not think of a better way to spend my senior trip. It was truly another special experience where countless memories were made. Whether it was sailing around the beautiful islands, snorkeling among amazing wildlife, eating world class food, or enjoying each other's company, it was another special journey with Chris, Kaya, and Waldo.

They go above and beyond to ensure that all is well, and they are extremely kind. In addition to this, they’re extremely knowledgeable about the area, marine life, fishing, sailing, history, and all in between. Not to mention Kaya is an utterly fantastic cook who takes you on a journey throughout the many cuisines this world has to offer.

They are a great crew who truly know how to showcase the beauty of this area. Ultimately, I am sad that we have to leave, but I am grateful that we got to experience this trip again. It truly is the best vacation ever! A huge thanks to Chris, Kaya, and Waldo for another out of this world trip. I look forward to sailing and exploring the seas with them soon!

- Bennett



Incredible Trip

Chris and Kaya,

What an incredible trip! Julie told us that it would be amazing but you surpassed any expectations! Physalia covers all bases - relaxation, adventure, laughs, and the food - can we talk about the FOOD?! Every meal I immediately wanted to share the picture and how amazing it was to my friends and family. Once in a lifetime experience that we really hope we get to do again!!

P.S. To Waldo - Please come visit Milo in Doylestown, Pa. You would be “besties” and have a blast together.

- Jim and Lisa Rushworth

So Grateful For this Week

We’re on our last day smelling yet another gourmet meal Kaya is preparing. We went around the world with food and never left the Virgin Islands. We simply could not imagine a better couple to guide us and allow us the opportunity to enjoy nature as it was intended to be enjoyed.

The attitude and easy going nature of Chris and Kaya are one of many attributes that make this cruise with them special. As guests, we had lots of questions and they carefully and fully answered them all. We spent the week with two marvelously talented people with a wealth of experience to share with us. We could not be more grateful for this week, for the accommodations, for the flexibility, and commitment to making it special for us. We can’t recommend them more highly than we do right now.

- Kevin and Heather McPoyle



Amazing Hosts!

Had I known about a trip like this, we would have done this years ago! First off, Chris and Kaya are amazing hosts. Their professional and educational backgrounds complement this trip SO MUCH. I learned a ton from them through awesome conversations. Highlights include Fallen Jerusalem, The Baths, Anegada, and of course, Willy T. The photos and slick videos will be watched (and shared) many many times. And the food? If you’re reading this, you already know that Kaya’s skills are amazing (and supplemented by Chris’s world class napkin folding skills). This was an amazing adventure in every way! Thank you K and C!

- Kelly and Max, NYC

Not Enough Superlatives to Describe OurCharter Experience

We will never take another chartered cruise through BVI again!! Unless it is again with Chris and Kaya!! This is the BVI experience to complete your BVI bucket list.
There are not enough superlatives to describe it. Best in gourmet cuisine, best in local, geological and marine biological knowledge and expertise, best in whatever you want to do. Best in show! (that’s for Waldo). Kaya and Chris, thank you for an incredible once in a lifetime experience. You make it look effortless, which only adds to your guests enjoyment of it all. To any reading considering cruising with K&C, you will be so so wrong not to do it! 100% guarantee you will love it!

Endless gratitude,

Cecil and Matt

Simply Magical!

I hadn't expected to enjoy the water so much and in so many ways! Simply magical! Kaya and Chris ensured we dropped anchor or moored at the amazingly beautiful venues. They offer playing in the water, they (okay, mostly chef Kaya) fed us nothing but gourmet meals. As the only vegetarian onboard, I was so well fed with such delicious food, rather than being treated as an afterthought.
And Kaya and Chris’s good natures (as well as Waldo’s) made this an amazing adventure!
Thank you so much!

John

Flexibility and Grace

From the full moon rising to the enchanted sunsets, even the stormy days brought me back to the wonders of nature. There is no doubt we come from the sea.
There are so many highlights.
Waldo watching was 1.
Waldo rocking in the hammock with the amazing chef Kaya was mesmerizing and meditative. Both Chris and Kaya with their seasoned chill nature made this a most relaxing experience.

Thank you for captaining with flexibility and grace and for the most amazing full week of gourmet food of my life.

Maureen (Moe)

Every Hope and Expectation was Exceeded

We met Kaya and Chris on tour in a landlocked country on their honeymoon. We loved their adventurous, friendly energy, and at some point learned about their charter business. The photos on their website looked amazing, but then, of course they would.

Nonetheless, one of us choral-led a group of siblings / in laws to schedule a trip with Kaya and Chris in the BVI. Truly, every hope and expectation has been exceeded. It will be difficult to capture here (and recounting to friends) how wonderful and seamless this trip has been.

The sailing, the scenery, water sports, have been incredible. Kaya and Chris, as captains, have exuded competence, grace under pressure. Most of us on this trip are not boat experienced and we've been comfortable and relaxed.

Waldo, the 3rd crew member, has been a delight. A friendly, lively dog, he is fully adapted to his onboard life. Kaya and Chris take care of Waldo’s feeding and bathroom business, such that it was basically invisible to us. Again, Kaya and Chris manage their workload and chores with grace, and to their guests, everything just seems to happen. But we imagine there’s an extraordinary amount of effort, skill, and experience out of our sight.

Ok, finally, the best for last. The food was beyond description. The photos display some of Kaya’s artistry, but can’t fully convey the creativity and skills she has. Our group loves food, including some fine cookes, and we come from the bay area. Food is a central enjoyment for us. That Kaya could create such meals for 8 people of such variety, quality, and flavor, day after day, in a ship’s kitchen, was literally unbelievable to us.

Our group also included a vegetarian. Who was well cared for. Each dinner had its own cuisine (Spanish, Italian, Caribbean, etc.) A predinner signature cocktail. One highlight was sushi night with a huge array of handmade rolls, including lobster, and vegetarian. It was also visually stunning. The food, we thought, was the equal of anything we’ve had in fine restaurants. We can't thank you enough.

Andy and Annette

Bottomline, I Would Follow These Captains To The Ends Of The Earth

Imagine the coolest couple you know, then make them cooler. Like some mystical hybrid between merpeople, Michelin chefs, and national geographic guides. People who honeymoon in Mongolia, take climate change data in Antarctica, ride reindeer, and dive below 200 feet.

Then imagine you get to accompany them for a week in their catamaran, where they curate an itinerary specific to your tastes and personalities. You want to drink all day on the beach? Done. SCUBA straight off the boat? Snorkel? Kiteboard? Paddleboard? Fish? Hike? You name it, they effortlessly make it happen. If you’re missing your pet, their dog Waldo is as loving as he is unobtrusive (coming from a cat person). Then the food. Kaya’s daily Michelin star quality ocean to table cuisine bordered on a religious experience. A mouth watering chicken recipe from a cooking lesson in Morocco, fish tacos from freshly speared lionfish, pasta made from scratch.

I have snorkeled all over the world, but I have never been accompanied by such ambassadors to ocean life. With masters in marine biology and geology, they showed us the world above and below the sea with unbridled passion and expertise. Like a long haired goddess from Atlantis, Kaya freedove 30 feet to turn over a rock and expose a shy sea star she carefully brought to us to examine (then returned it). We snorkeled into dark caves where Chris waited with a flashlight aimed at an otherwise invisible crevice housing a small lobster chilling with his shrimp friends. With preternatural skills, Chris knew how to avoid the hoards of cruise ship tourists, describe the best route to land to avoid rocks invisible to us mere mortals, and deftly threw on SCUBA gear in the dark of night to retrieve a pair of prescription glasses that had fallen overboard.

Tourists from other boats gazed longingly in our direction, always inching closer, desperate to be part of the magic we captured at each destination.

Bottom line, I would follow these captains to the ends of the earth. Your private charter is only as good as the people running it, and in this regard there is no parallel!

Love,
Marc and Karen”

Exceptional Crew

We have done much traveling with many guides. Never have I encountered hosts, captains, guides with as much passion, knowledge, enthusiasm, intelligence, grace, talent, diligence, meticulousness, energy, and joy as the two of you gave to us this week.
You are exceptional people and we are grateful for sharing your lives with us.

“May the four winds blow you safely home.”

Endless Thrills, Adventures and Culinary Experiences

It's difficult to summarize a vacation of a lifetime. I should start by saying the hosts of our stunning vacation are a husband and wife team who were exceedingly hospitable and gracious.
Chris and Kaya, both of whom are captains of the Physalia. They led us through a myriad of adventures and culinary delicacies. Their knowledge was infinite with regards to geography, history and oceanography. It's no surprise given Chris is a marine geologist and Kaya is a marine biologist.

Once we set foot on the boat, a lavish charcuterie board was waiting for us. it was the beginning of a Michelin quality food orgy. Ingredients and cuisines literally from around the globe. Kaya's culinary skills and presentations left us stunned at every meal. During one of the many scuba dives with our guests Kaya spear fished over 10 lion fish which she prepared for lunch that day.! On another day she did some line fishing off the boat and caught a substantial tuna and promptly made us a delectable sashimi appetizer!
Chris, not to be outdone by Kaya, caught a massive lobster that honestly looked prehistoric! It was absolutely farcical.... suffice it to say eating fresh was elevated to a whole new level.

Every day Chris would take us on anew adventure to a different Virgin Island. We had guests on board with varying interests. Two of our party were scuba divers. We also had guests who wanted to snorkel. Chris and Kaya led both of these types of excursions. they knew all the special places, nooks and crannies that offered a unique experience, that otherwise we would not have known.

Chris is also a skilled kite surfer. He monitored the winds everyday to see to it that my husband and I were able to enjoy our beloved hobby. He brought us to a special island where he helped launch and land our kites, not to mention performing a boat rescue or two!!

Chris is a maniac videographer and took over 400 pics.
We can not thank him enough for recording this memorable vacation.
Chris and Kaya exposed us to endless thrills , adventures and culinary experience that will be tough to match, much less surpass.....

MUCH THANKS TO YOU BOTH!!!!
Paula and Dan.


Won't Forget This Time

We were the two who did not participate in the hardcore water activities but good gawd, Chris and Kaya were (to quote our other guest friend) Aquaman and Wonder Woman. Their knowledge base and expertise were nothing short of spectacular. Oh! But what might have surpassed their skills in all things land and water, the meals exceeded all expectations! From morning until evening we dined on fresh (sometimes caught that day) fish prepared and presented to perfection! It was as much a Caribbean vacation as a gourmet food tour. Anyone looking to tour the USVI or BVI need look no further than this gracious team. Johnny and Jane on the spot for every activity my other family and friends engaged in. Loved these past days and won't forget this time! Thank you Chris, Kaya, and Waldo!”

Tim and Suzanne

Bucket List Checked Off!!!

Bucket list checked off! What an amazing trip! Kaya and Chris were amazing hosts. From their knowledge of the area, boats, and marine life, to the amazing, yummy delicious food. This was more than just a charter trip. It was an experience! An experience worth repeating. Of course, we can't forget Waldo. Perfect boat dog and host. Thank you, Chris and Kaya for fulfilling our bucket list!
Kim and Chris

What a Gift!!

Chris Kaya and Waldo, this was an absolutely amazing experience!
The whole week provided activities that were both fun and informative. Chris and Kaya have wisdom about their work far beyond their years.
Kaya’s meals were an event. Her cooking is amazing. She is a beautiful young lady both inside and out. Chris made our adventures even more fun and was extremely patient with me since I had not spent time in the water for years. It is incredible how they brought us into their home and made us feel like special guests.
What a gift! We will miss you two and will pray for you to have many more happy and healthy years doing what you obviously have to do!
Sincerely, Dina and Tim

A Dream Vacation!

Chris, Kaya, and Waldo-

Thank you for opening your home to us for the week. This was a dream vacation for us and your planning, attention to detail, experience, and warm hearts have made it better than we ever imagined. The hospitality, rooms, food, drink, accommodations all were five stars. Kaya amazed us at every meal.

You made us feel special. Introductions to foods were all delicious. Chris was a fantastic bartender who made sure things were stocked at every opportunity. Thank you both for ensuring all hospitality was top-notch.
Activities - Harvey was so looking forward to the diving and Chris and Kaya made it happen and gave him spear hunting experience as well. I was a first-time snorkeler and you made it so easy and comfortable. I always knew Chris was watching for me. The life under the water was fabulous. Too many kinds of fish to name, turtles, urchins, sharks, eels, lobsters, starfish, corals, and so many things I cannot name, all gorgeous. I loved that everyday was a surprise gift of activities with a new island and highlight. Anegada beach day was super restful and fun. The dinner reservations at CocoMaya and Abe's were a repeatable event for sure. Relax- the hammocks, lounging on deck, playing cards on the gorgeous salvaged dining table, beaches, “playpen” float, and so much more. The evenings up on deck with an island breeze and stars, great conversations, all precious memories of this trip. Adventure- we are so excited to watch what the future holds for two of the best scientists I have ever met. Chris - you are a teacher, explorer, and make us all feel safe! Kaya - your sharing of knowledge and abilities surpass all things expected in one person. You are special in many ways. Waldo - the sweet pup who welcomes the guests with a smile and wag! Please feel free to use this reference/review for your benefit.
Lorelei and Harvey H.

An Amazing Adventure

We recently returned from a tour of the BVI on the Physalia. We were very happy with our trip. We are three couples so for us, the boat was ideal. Each couple had a very comfortable bed with its own ensuite bathroom and shower. Comfort wise, it was perfect from linens to loungers to hammocks. There was plenty of space in the sun and shade for everyone to gather together or to spread out if desired. We were made to feel comfortable immediately with helping ourselves to beverages and snacks. The whole vibe was very relaxed! It was a pleasure sharing the space with Waldo, who was adorable.

Both Chris and Kaya are extremely knowledgeable about the area and marine life and that was very appreciated throughout our holiday. We felt very safe in their care from their navigational decisions to their guidance on where to swim and snorkel. Although we didn’t use much of the water equipment, what we did use was in good supply and in good working order. They were very flexible with our itinerary – with 6 adults with varying interests and abilities, our plans sometimes differed from each other or changed frequently and they did their best to keep everyone happy.

Last but not least the food was unbelievable. It was a 5-star gourmet event at every meal. We are 6 picky adults including one vegetarian and everyone was blown away from Kaya’s to create such amazing meals several times a day in such a little space. I was a little worried for our group as we can be picky with wine and cocktails as well, but we were not disappointed. There was an ample selection of very nice wines and Chris was a very talented bartender during our cocktail hours.

We would definitely recommend the Physalia!!!
Thanks to Chris and Kaya for the amazing adventure.

Precious Memories

WOW! This trip has far exceeded my expectations!!!
Physalia was much bigger than I thought, and so beautiful. There was room to be alone, and plenty of shaded seating areas. I loved the hammocks. Travelling as a single person, I preferred having a private bedroom and bathroom. It would have been cramped quarters to share with a friend or new acquaintance.
As marine scientists, Chris and Kaya were extremely knowledgeable.
I snorkeled with Kaya, and she named the fish. It was like having a personal nature guide!
An unexpected joy was Kaya’s cooking. She is a gourmet chef! Each meal had exquisite flavor and presentation. I have never eaten such wonderful food for an entire week!

I did a PADI Discover SCUBA course with Chris. He was so reassuring and capable. The dives (after the first one) were magical. I loved exploring the British VIrgin Islands from above (we did several hikes) and below. The fish, coral, and sponges were magical.

Finally, their sweet Waldo. He is a fun and comforting presence. As a small dog (20 lbs) He doesn't take up room, and is trained to use the astroturf in Kaya and Chris’ shower as needed. He is such a gentle and sweet dog. I loved having him aboard! This trip was a splurge for me. I had met Chris and Kaya on their honeymoon in Peru’s Amazon Basin. It was worth every penny, so many precious memories!



WOW!!

WOW! What an amazing trip! We saw so much wonderful biodiversity. Kaya and Chris were so knowledgeable about all the species. It was perfect on-ship, and off-ship while hiking. Kaya’s cooking was beyond anything we ever expected, she was inspirational! Every dish was perfectly prepared! Waldo was so fun and easy to be with. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone!



Great Adventure on Physalia

We had a great adventure on Physalia this week! The boat was fully-loaded with all the water toys and diving equipment you could ask for. Boat was neat and very clean, but what sets this tour apart, are our captains and crew.
Chris and Kaya are the Captains. Scientists by training.
They clearly love the sea and everything about it. Eager to answer our questions about any fish, fauna, tides, they are excellent educators as well. Every day they strategize as to the best places to dive or stop overnight. The sea and sky conditions are major players in these decisions.

Also, Kaya, is a fabulous chef. Every meal was created from scratch and rated 5 stars from us. Beautifully presented!!
Chris was our ship’s bartender, and we had a special drink of the day each night. Chris was very sensitive to our needs in getting safely around the ship. With high-winds most days, he was very creative in adding extra rope handholds for us.

Last but not least is Waldo, the crew. Waldo is the small family dog. A comfort animal if someone was fearful, and a sweet pet. Well behaved, Waldo did not seem to require special activities, left no messes on the boat, but brought lots of affection to all.

All in all, this was a fabulous boat family to spend time with and love. Thanks again!

With Much Gratitude

Kaya and Chris, we had such an amazing time to end our two week honeymoon.
It was the experience of a lifetime, especially for Anna who had never swum in the ocean or snorkeled before!

Kaya’s meals were way beyond our expectations. Each night/day was wonderful! We need to up our game for our meal plans once we get home!! No pressure!!

We also LOVED learning about your education and work experiences! Such an amazing insight into another world for us Washington DC / county folks!

With much gratitude for keeping us SAFE, and allowing us to have the experience of a lifetime!



Amazing Week

Chris Kaya and Waldo hosted us for a week in the BVI. They care, and try very hard to make everything perfect. You can tell they actually own their boat by the effort they put into everything they do. Kaya is an amazing cook, and very accommodating to our needs. Thank you for an amazing week.

PS- Waldo was the perfect companion!

Fabulous Experiences

We have been blessed to travel several places around the world with our good friends. For four of us boaters, this was especially a treat to have all of the fabulous experiences, with none of the responsibilities of the ship’s workings. Close but very comfortable surroundings for a week with four couples, but we had no issues. Chris and Kaya were engaging and fun, and of course such delicious food! Dolphins the very first day! Lots of snorkeling opportunities, and the “wonders” of the Willy T. Waldo is such a treat!

Special Memories!

You are truly an exquisite chef! We are already talking about booking y'all again sometime. This has been the most relaxing fun,-filled adventure we have taken, and we are so grateful to you both for the opportunity to make these special memories!
Happy Sailing

The S. Family
Flower Mound, Texas

P.S. I forgot to mention Waldo! We loved him!!! My daughters could not get enough of him. He was the most well behaved, lovable dog ever. And the tricks - so cute.
Love you Waldo!

Such An Incredible Time!

Thank you for sharing your home with us over the last week. We have had such an incredible time. Your knowledge of the islands, sailing and marine life is invaluable. We had the most amazing time snorkeling and you helped ease our fears of open water and sharks.

I feel like we learned so much on this trip. it was like having our own private marine biology course. The hikes were great, and each place you took us to on the islands we loved.

The favorite part for me was the food! Every single breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious. It was served in a beautiful presentation and tasted better than anything we've eaten....even in Italy!

Out Of This World Experience

To say this was a trip of a lifetime is an understatement. We were completely immersed in nature, with my boys ages 9/7 saying this was their favorite all time trip. They were exposed to over 30 different species of fish and wildlife with 2 different dive sites each day.

What to say that will all encompass Chris and Kaya:-
Kaya was responsible for the best dishes and variety of food imaginable. As a lobster fan, it was great to have Kaya prepare fresh food that we had caught whether in a mahi sandwich, lobster feast or delicious lion fish with a Caribbean flair!
Chris provided never ending entertainment including daily dives, snorkel trips, getting towed on the inflatable hot dog and much more.

Truly an out of this world experience with the best crew!

So Grateful

So grateful for the experience. You two are amazing!
Keep killin' it

So Fun!

This week has been SO FUN because of your kind and attentive hospitality.
Thank you so much!

Best Vacation!

One of the Best Vacations of my life. The two of you were outstanding. Your skill sets work so well together. Thank you and I hope to see you again next year!

Broker Review

How would you qualify the crew and their service:

Skipper:
Comments
Both crew were Skippers, but this will apply to Chris. Great person, talented captain, outstanding knowledge of BVI (and much of the rest of the world, really). Very service oriented…in tune with our needs and attentive

Rest of the crew:
Comments
Kaya….cool as they come, remarkable chef, talented captain, master diver and enjoyable to be around.

How would you qualify the yacht (comfort, features, general maintenance, etc)
Comments
Met expectations…had everything we need, was comfortable and well appointed.

How would you qualify the itinerary
Comments
Perfection….hit so many spots, on land and underwater, these guys have the itinerary wired!

How would you qualify the sports and leisure activities/equipment on board
Comments
Great! Didn’t have time to do it all, but the boat had a lot to offer.

How would you qualify the food and drinks
Comments
This needs to have more than 5 stars as an option :) The food and unique daily cocktails were EXCEPTIONAL

How would you qualify the service provided by the broker (Ritzy Charters)
Comments
Wonderful….great communication, responsiveness, follow up. Enjoyed working with Lucy.

How would you qualify the entire experience of your trip
Comments
One of the best vacations of our lives.




My Underwater Angel!

Starting with just an idea and a Google search of "Yacht Charters BVI", it was nothing short of serendipitous that we found Chris, Kaya and Waldo on the Physalia. Super cool people, but so impressive in many ways: as captains, tour guides, master divers and even scientists. Oh, but wait there's more - Kaya is a talented chef...just WOW!
Each meal was better than the last...thoughtfully prepared and perfectly executed..breakfast, lunch and dinner. As novice divers, Chris and Kaya were so comforting to have with us. i called Kaya my underwater Angel.
Chris certified my wife, and was an excellent teacher. And the trip wouldn't have been the same without Waldo.... what a cool, loving dog.

This year it was just my wife and I, but next year it's back to Physalia with our kids, they're going to love it!!

One to Remember

Thank you both for going above and beyond to make this once in a lifetime trip one to remember!
You guys are great hosts and all around people. I really enjoyed how this trip quickly turned into another trip with friends....simply not just charter guests.
Terry and I wish you both a lifetime full of love and happiness in your future endeavors!

Our Second Trip on Physalia with Chris and Kaya

This was our second trip on Physalia, the first being April 2023. In over 30 years of traveling my husband and I have never repeated a trip, but last year was so good we had to come back. The second time was as good or better than the first.

Chris and Kaya aren't "crew" they are gracious hosts welcoming you to their home. they go above and beyond to deliver top notch experiences every day, seeing to every possible need and want, including the stellar meals that kaya prepares and which rival the best restaurants we have ever been to.

One of the best parts of a trip on Physalia is the immense knowledge that Kaya and Chris have about the area, the geography, and the ocean life. When you drive or snorkel with them, you will see things and learn about them in ways you can't experience on other boats.

Thank you for another amazing week - I hope we get to come back again!

Holy Cow!

All I can say is, Wow!! Never have we experienced such a level of hospitality. We have sailed in the BVI's before, but will never do it again without Chris and Kaya and Waldo. Not only is their caliber of service like none other, they are so fun to hang out with!

And can we talk about the food? Holy Cow! It is like sitting down to a 5-star restaurant for every meal. Not only were the plates beautiful to look at, they tasted amazing.
Absolutely everything was fresh and fantastic - we cleaned our plates at every meal! And to top it off, Chris had some awesome mixology skills! :) We can't wait for our next rip.

Best in EVERY Way

To say this has been one of the most peaceful, beautiful and wonderful trips of my life is an understatement. We had so much fun with Kaya and Chris, they are the absolute best in EVERY way. They both went out of their way to make this such an incredible trip. The meals that were created by kaya were like we were at the BEST restaurant for each and every meal. I will leave this PERFECT vacation amazed at her creativity.
Thank you both for such a fantastic experience!!!

We love Waldo too and may pack him in our carry-on

Will Never Forget

We can't thank you enough for a wonderful vacation. It was the experience of a lifetime. Thanks for giving us a week we will never forget!

Beyond Meaningful

I would just like to add that beyond all of the experiences, you created the most wonderful family experience of our lives. It was beyond meaningful. Words cannot describe how thankful we are. The food was amazing.

The sites were gorgeous.
A perfect trip that you created for us.

I'll Be Back!

This was my now favorite spring break trip ever! Everyone running this charter (including Waldo) is awesome and the coolest people I've ever met. I have never tried and successfully liked so much of the food I had this week and I will be the first to purchase a cookbook if one is made.

I really wish I could do this trip with you guys every year. I'll definitely be back for a USVI trip. You guys are the best.
Thank you so so much.

Extraordinary in Every Way!

What a week!
Discovery, adventure and connection, it was extraordinary in every way!

Every day brought new opportunities to learn more about this spectacular area.

Kaya and Chris, thank you for being so generous in sharing your knowledge, passion and enthusiasm with us. We so greatly appreciated how quickly you developed a rapport with our kids. Caroline loved baking with Kaya, Madeline loved that Chris knew she needed to clim at Fallen Jerusalem, Emmy loved being towed by Chris on the kayak as she could explore, and Oliver was so amazed to swim though the caves and learn so much about the underwater world from Kaya and Chris!

Kaya, your cooking and baking - my goodness!
From catching a fish to whipping up fabulous meals moments late - it was out of this world!

Waldo stole our hearts and brought an additional source of entertainment, comfort and companionship! Kaya and Chris - you have had a profound impact on all of us - your love of the water, Waldo and one another shines as bright.

Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We can't wait to come back.
Our hearts are full!!


Learned so Much From Chris and Kaya

I absolutely loved this trip! The amount of fun and happiness I had on this boat was "unmathable". Chris and Kaya's knowledge about the wildlife here is incredible.
Personally, this is the best trip I have ever been on. My favorite part was seeing all of the different animals in the water while snorkeling.
I learned so much and Chris taught me how to dive down deep so I could see all of the fish.
Kaya's cooking is the best I've ever had and the presentations of it were beautiful.
We had adventure filled days the whole time and the views were amazing. My family all loved the entire trip and we will definitely be coming back. I would recommend this trip for people who love adventures. I will miss Waldo and the crew very much.

(Written by a 14 yr old)

What An Amazing Journey

O captain! My captains! What an amazing journey! 7 blissful days in the BVI’s led by 2 of the best hosts one could hope for.

Kaya and Chris, you are both such accomplished young people; a joy to sail with you. Always accommodating, ever helpful, knowledgeable - every day we learn something new about the island, the reefs, the seas! Always ever mindful of their surroundings, demonstrating their love and deep respect for the sea and our planet.

Our last morning was postcard perfect- the water never calmer or more beautiful in the prettiest, quietest cove. We are so lucky to be here! Thank you

And Now For The Food......

And now for the food… move over Thomas Keller!!! Kaya is a creative chef with innovative uses of spices and seafood, foods with local flair and tasted from around the world. We had fresh baked bread almost everyday! Imagine that! My favorite - tuna poke and the wahoo carpaccio! Every day it was something new and delicious!

All I can say is we never wanted for anything. One will always want to come back to sail with them!

Thank you so much - both of you.”



Incredible Hosts

An amazing tour of BVI and USVI over the past week. We had stops of Peter, Cooper, Salt, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, St John, and others which now escape me. Highlights included turtles, rays, barracudas, Sargent majors, along with restful sights and sounds of the water.

Open ocean sailing to and from Anegada was a delight. On the way punctuated by numerous whales!

On Thursday we had a nice rain and a water spout sighting.

Through it all, Chris and Kaya have been incredible hosts, and as much as the islands and the water were amazing, the food was Michelin stars quality! We had asked for local fare and we were treated with the best the islands could offer. If you are reading this you made a wise choice of charter.

Take advantage of the knowledge Kaya and Chris bring of not only the sea, but of sea life, geology, and history.

Until next time. Fair winds!

Wonderful Week

Thank you so much for a wonderful week! We started with rain and ended with sunburns ;)
We loved how you worked with us as we changed this up and spent time in Culebra. What a treasure you have here!! The beaches were beautiful, the drinks were stronger, the food was fantastic!

Thank you, it is such a treat to have meals cooked that were so different and delicious.



Can't Say Enough Great things!

Had the best week ever on Physalia! Chris, Kaya and Waldo were amazing. They have so much knowledge about the islands and the ocean. The food was incredible, Kaya is a phenomenal chef. They were also very accommodating to any thing specific we needed. We saw tons of wildlife like sea turtles, flamingoes and even swam with dolphins. Kaya is also very a skilled fisherwomen and we caught a lot of fish off the boat. Can't say enough great things about this trip and Chris and Kaya! Hope to be back sailing with them in the future!

Absolute Joy!

We could not have asked for a more amazing trip! Chris and Kaya were an absolute joy to spend the week with. From spectacular meals to stunning beaches and an incredible knowledge of the area, Every moment was above and beyond. Thank you both so much for making this trip so special for our family!!


Perfect!!!

I have had the dream to sail in the BVI's by catamaran for many years. There are not many times in life your dream is exceeded by reality. But in this case it wasn't close!!!!!
Food, accommodations, knowledge, humor, fun, fishing, snorkeling, etc.... Perfect!
I have never had that many fantastic meals in a row. Life after this trip will be hard to compete with. But at least we know we can come back!

Finally, thank you so much for your kindness and accommodation for my wife's disabilities. it made the trip for her, our boys and me.
Congrats Kaya on your 100T captain's license.

An Amazing Vacation

This vacation was something that my mom has wanted to do for years and finally we had the chance to do it. We found Chris and Kaya and picked them immediately.
Their knowledge of the islands was very helpful in planning our days and the head chef Kaya literally makes food better than anywhere in the BVI and USVI.
I would definitely recommend Scuba with Chris if you get the chance as well.

A very unique experience! An amazing vacation.

Outstanding Hosts

Kaya and Chris were outstanding hosts for our 6 day trip. Kaya's cooking will be missed. I am still thinking about those lemon pancakes!
Watching Kaya catch and cut up a tuna on the last day was very cool. I loved hearing about their experiences as scientists and the itinerary exceeded our expectations. Just sailing alone gave me much time to think about life outside the mainland, we wish we lived on the boat! My favorite part was snorkeling and having a renewed respect for marine life.
May God bless your adventures.
We hope to join you again ....next time.


Truly Very Special

Thank you guys for making my dream trip on a sailboat so awesome and it couldn't have been any better! I really enjoyed this experience and it was truly very special.

I loved snorkeling and seeing fish I have never seen before, and going for a hike with Kaya and Waldo, and learning from you guys and hearing your stories!

You guys, this experience has definitely made me want to go sailing again in the future.

I also loved trying new food, seeing the BVI, watching Wyatt scuba dive and all of the amazing views and sunsets. Of course waking up to Waldo was also such a treat.

Best Way to Experience Both the BVI's and the USVI's

This charter has been an incredible experience. It exceeded all our expectations. Chris and Kaya's hospitality, knowledge, kindness and genuine care for their charter guests are above and beyond.

Chris and Kaya taught us so much about the under sea life and showed us their favorite spots. This is the best and only way to truly experience the BVI's and USVI's.

Kaya's cooking is far better than any restaurant! We enjoyed the food immensely!

Waldo was an absolute joy to have, while sailing. I'm in love!

We will absolutely do this again. It is the best vacation we have ever been on.

Thank you Chris, Kaya and Waldo. You're a special crew!



Depth Of Our Gratitude

I don't think that words can adequately express the depth of our gratitude to Kaya and Chris for their outstanding care, professionalism and attention to detail during our time together.
Chris, your knowledge, easy laugh and flexibility made you a joy to work with and a pleasure to be around.
Kaya we all agree, we want to be like you when we grow up! Your knowledge, passion and attention to detail blow us all out of the water. We would choose you two (and Waldo) again - hopefully we will!

Changed My Life

Happy New Year! Is there a better way to celebrate, than waking up to being greeted by Waldo every day? Chris and Kaya too of course.....this trip has changed my life. We have been so lucky to explore the USVI and BVI and eat the most amazing food. It's impossible to pick a favorite memory but Brendon and I have come up with a few that really stick out:

Signature cocktails up top after a busy day of lounging and exploring.
Scuba diving the wrecks.
Late night card games
Reconnecting with one another.
Snorkeling with sea turtles

Now we are off to the very chilly northeast. We are full of memories, amazing food and drinks, and so grateful for the new friendships we have made with Chris and Kaya! We can't wait to travel with you guys again.




Wonderful Vacation

Words will never do our trip justice! The trip was absolutely wonderful and your service levels and professionalism were at the top! We are so grateful to have been part of this wonderful journey!

Exceeded all previous Experiences

We have done a number of cruises and in fact just completed one in Raja Ampat aboard a Pacific High heritage phinisi yacht. We have previously cruised aboard the Aqua Mekong (as you know, a top rated outfit), Ha-Long Bay aboard a luxury yacht, a personal cruise on the Irrawaddy river aboard a 5 star river boat, and a sailing cruise on Phang Nga bay with Bob Mott, who is well known in SE Asia. We have also stayed in many famous luxury hotels around the world, and have eaten in our share of Michelin starred restaurants. I myself am half French and my family has been in the food business for a long time. My Grandfather was a famous pastry chef in France and was friends with many notable restaurant chefs.

Chris and Kaya delivered an experience over a week that was on par with, or exceeded these previous experiences. Chris is an accomplished seaman and Kaya is an accomplished first mate. They were supremely competent in all aspects of operating and actually sailing the boat. They are also accomplished divers and marine scientists. I completed some great dives with them and saw many new things, even though I have been diving the USVI for over 20 years and have done all the major dives there.

And then there was Kaya's cooking. Just incredible. She prepared dishes every day for us... breakfast, lunch and dinner, that were simply superb. I would put her up against some of the best food we have ever had, anywhere. She is truly an exceptional culinary talent and she should be classified as a fine chef.

I would not hesitate to book these guys again, and I would trust them and sail with them anywhere in the world.

Physalia can comfortably accommodate 6pax and probably 2 more kids. It is good for families, or for couples like us who are looking for a super-luxe experience, service and attention. That said, Physalia is not a brand new fancy boat like some of the ones recently advertised in the USVI. She is a new boat, but not the very latest tech etc. You go with Chris and Kaya because you want a unique and quality experience from the standpoint of competency, knowledge of diving and sailing, and of course you go for Kaya's exceptional talent as a chef. Kaya can do hamburgers I am sure, but her talents would be wasted on that.

Exceeded All Our Dreams

Trip of a lifetime! ❤️ Chris and Kaya are the best hosts! Our trip started with some pre-planning and logistics that truly ended up exceeding all of our dreams. Chris knows the waters and his boat very well. He took us to gorgeous beaches, we sailed to several US and British Virgin Islands, and we truly chillaxed the entire trip. Kaya was a phenomenal cook, and every meal was five stars plus! She also exposed us to many sea creatures, some we were even able to hold and admire. The octopus GoPro video, as well as other videos she took for us looked like they were filmed for National Geographic, truly epic. The beds were comfy and we slept well. Staying on a boat is definitely different from staying on land, but we hope to come back and experience these adventures or new adventures with our kiddos. I could go on and on, but our favorite slice of heaven was Sandy Spit, and the reef there was unbelievable. Thanks so much Chris and kolkata, until next time!

Bucket-list Trip!

This was a bucket-list trip for us, and it exceeded ALL our expectations! From the detailed guided adventures, to the gourmet food prepared from scratch, Chris and Kaya made this the trip of a lifetime! We can’t wait to come back for another adventure with them!



Most Relaxed I have Ever Been!

Greatest trip of my life. It was so much better to have crew like Chris and Kaya who knew just about everything and they made this trip a fun experience where I got to learn a lot. Also they showed us the best beaches and spots around!
Our first trip to the islands and it was a treat! Beaches - great, food and drink - great, accommodations - great, overall fantastic trip!


Most relaxed I’ve ever been with great views. Also better food than most restaurants!
What an amazing trip! This was a perfect family graduation trip. We loved learning from Chris and Kaya about the ocean, snorkeling, diving, and the world adventures. Kaya’s cooking is 5 stars.

Thanks for inviting us into your boat home and making us feel so welcome!
This vacation has been filled with lots of fun and new adventures. I had no idea what to expect, but we have been to really amazing places like private beaches and cool beach bars. Chris and Kaya have welcomed us and gotten to know us super well. They are knowledgeable about so many things like marine life that have made this trip a learning experience as well. I really enjoyed the food on this trip because everything was made from scratch. I am so happy with how relaxing this trip was, but also with all of the new things I have gotten to see and do. Waldo is, of course, the cutest, sweetest mascot of Physalia!


Pure Happiness!

We had a beautiful journey! Learning about marine life and boating was our favorite part. As well as the family meals. Spectacular! Everything you could ask for on a trip :) Loved this time together!

What an honor to be able to experience what you guys have created here on Physalia. This place has been special in so many ways, and a place I have wanted to revisit for 11 years. You guys made a bucket list trip everything we could want and more. The food goes without saying is some of the most delicious and well prepared meals I have ever had. A day on the water is always the best day, and you gave us 5 straight days of pure happiness.

I loved spending a few quality days together at your amazing home (your yacht). Thanks for welcoming us and all of your time, talents, knowledge, and good laughs. Looking forward to more island adventures with you in the future.


World class sailing, incredible sights and experiences. The absolute most amazing food. Chris and Kaya are AMAZING!!!


A Delightful Adventure.

Wow, this was a trip of a lifetime. I spend part of the year living in St. Thomas and expected this to be like my experiences on my friends’ boats. It was far more wonderful! What a delightful adventure! Amazing food, personalized SCUBA experiences, secret beaches, undiscovered places, a whole marine education in a week… it was more than I ever could have expected and so much fun!

Before we boarded, a friend said, “you are going to learn so much this week.” Indeed I did. I am so much more knowledgeable about all things ocean VI thanks to these incredible humans.

You keep going Kaya and Chris, the experience you are creating is something of magic.

Perfect Combination of 5 Star Hotel and a Robinson Crusoe Adventure!

The trip was a combination of a floating 5 star hotel and a Robinson Crusoe adventure! We started and ended each day with a gourmet prepared-from-scratch meal from Kaya and during the day we went wherever the wind would take us. Well, it felt that way with visits to deserted beaches and wrecks (and the occasional wild beach bar), but of course the itinerary was well and carefully curated to give us the best possible experience.

Kaya’s knowledge of the seas and its inhabitants is amazing and Chris’ captaining, dive leadership, and knowledge of everything is incredible, but be warned that you may have to ask Chris to repeat an explanation because the depth of his geological knowledge was over our heads once or twice.

The trip could not have been better. Thank you for showing us the best of the BVIs and USVIs above water and below.



Unrivaled Experience!

There really aren’t enough words to describe how much we enjoyed this trip! We have never been to the Virgin Islands before, and have not chartered ever, but I’m convinced we could not have chosen better than Physalia!

Chris and Kaya were the best hosts! So many things about this trip were amazing because of them. Their knowledge of the area, and of the sea and sea life, gave us insight we would not have had elsewhere. They were so kind, so patient with all our questions, and so flexible in adapting to our likes, dislikes, and limitations. AND - I CAN NOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE FOOD!!!!! I have been blessed to eat in many excellent restaurants, and the food this week was better than all those experiences. The flavors, the variety, the presentation, all absolutely top notch!

The Virgin Islands are absolutely beautiful all day, every day, but what made this an unrivaled experience was the choice of Physalia, Chris, and Kaya! Thank you for everything, and we hope to visit again in the future! 🙂



Relax At Sea

My mother picked this trip because she wanted to relax at sea. Even though I was not ecstatic at the idea as I was tired of traveling after doing it for a while, I found it helped me find that relaxation I needed. Going to sleep with the motion of the waves is like being sung a lullaby when you were a baby, and always having panoramic views is a beautiful thing. Both Chris and Kaya are good people, hardworking, and smart! You can see the breadth of experiences they’ve had based on how they approach topics and of which topics they speak about. Kaya is a great cook and a sensible person, making sure people always feel good. Chris is a great captain who you can have great conversations with and is a grounded individual with a good heart. I enjoyed having the trip with them.

Muchisimas Gracias - Thank You So Much

Bianca Cogorno review April 8, 2023

“Muchísimas gracias por tener la suerte de estar en Physalia. La mejor comida hecha por Kaya y el mejor capitán, Chris, que nos dio mucha seguridad en la navegación. ¡La comida mejor, imposible! ¡Lo mejor de lo mejor! Cariñosos, buenas personas, gracias por todo y por tan linda experiencia!”

English translation:

“Thank you so much. We are so lucky to have been on Physalia. The best food prepared by Kaya and the best captain, Chris, who gave us so much security while sailing. ¡Better food would have been impossible! ¡The best of the best! Loving, good people, thank you for such a beautiful experience!”

Coolest Vacation!

I picked this vacation for my senior trip and I'm so glad I did!!! This trip was the most exciting, yet relaxing trip I have ever been on. Every day we had a new adventure and I was never bored. We were able to go to so many places and see lots of sea animals. Chris and Kaya are such kind people, who know basically everything about the ocean and were able to teach me so much!! Kaya is also a super good cook, and everything she makes is so good! I don't think I have a favorite place, because they were all so good, but I loved the Baths, and loved it when Chris and Kaya guided me through swimming through an underwater cave thing. This is the coolest vacation I have ever been on, and I never want to leave!! (Waldo is also SO cute!)

Senational Food!

This trip has been amazing. I have only great things to say. Chris and Kaya were both great captains, and they were both very knowledgeable about everything. I really enjoyed everything that we did. From snorkeling to fishing to cruising around the beautiful islands of the USVI and BVI. Each spot that we went to was so unique and fun, and Chris and Kaya’s expertise made these places even more fun. I really enjoyed seeing many different sea creatures that I never imagined seeing.

The Rhone shipwreck was awesome, and learning about the history of the ship made it even more awesome. Each and every spot that Chris and Kaya chose for our journey was unbelievable, and the beaches and clear water left me speechless. Everything that we did this week was truly amazing, and they are things that I will cherish forever.

Something else that I will never forget is the sensational food that Kaya cooked. Every single thing that I ate on this charter was phenomenal. Kaya cooked, prepped, and baked everything to perfection. I truly can’t decide what my favorite dish or dessert was, because they were all so so so good. Kaya’s cooking was by far my favorite food of anything I ate on this trip. The techniques and cuisine that Kaya cooked was mastered to perfection. It shows you how much she cares about her guests and loves to cook when she wakes up at 4:30 AM to make a fresh loaf of sourdough bread.
In conclusion, all of Kaya’s food was out of this world delicious, and I can not speak more highly about her abilities as a chef.

This fishing was also awesome, and we caught and released many different kinds of snappers and jacks. We even caught and released a stingray and an awesome bar jack. This was one of the highlights of my trip. And again, Chris and Kaya’s knowledge made fishing here even more fun. All in all, this trip was such a fun time. Being able to spend time with my family in maybe the best place in the world is something I’ll never forget.

I’m so glad that Chris and Kaya were our captains, and I’m so glad that I got to spend time with them and my family in this unbelievably beautiful place. Thank you Chris and Kaya!!! I really hope to do this again, and maybe next time become SCUBA certified by Chris. I will never forget this trip, thanks again Chris and Kaya!

Best Decision Ever!

Our week on Physalia is one that will stay with us forever!

We chartered this boat for our daughter’s high school senior family trip, and it was the best decision ever. Chris and Kaya were absolutely amazing. Their knowledge and experience far exceeded our expectations, and only made the voyage even more perfect than we had hoped. It’s hard to pick the best part of the trip, because we saw so many amazing places.

We opted for half-board, but if we ever have the chance to do it again, we will go full-board. Kaya’s meals were AMAZING. Better than any restaurant we ate in, and easily on par with a high end chef. To say this was one of our most memorable, (if not THE most memorable) vacatio we have ever had, would be completely accurate, and we would tell anyone that has the opportunity to get on their charter, definitely take it!

Every Day An Amazing Adventure!

We spent seven amazing days onboard with Chris and Kaya and can’t say enough wonderful things! Every day was an amazing adventure, from beach days to the Baths to Scuba diving with sea turtles! Our kids were finishing their scuba certification and were very nervous about it, but Chris and Kaya put them at ease and helped them through every step and by the end of their 4 dives, they were so comfortable and excited about diving! We really appreciated the way Chris and Kaya carefully planned the trip. We had to adjust our itinerary due to the north swell this week and we’re so grateful that they suggested that we do. We would have missed going to the Baths because it was closed - we would have been so sad to miss it!

Now for the food… just wow!!! Every meal was thought out so carefully and the flavors just out of this world! We really enjoyed watching her bake from scratch everything from corn tortillas to sourdough to bread rolls and so much more! The homemade sourdough and bread rolls were literally in the top 5 things I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating in my life and I lived in France so that is saying a lot!! My son said the lemon ricotta pancakes were the best thing he’s ever tasted!

Chris and Kaya worked so hard to make this an amazing trip for us and we are so grateful! We’ll be back for sure! We will really miss Waldo and are also so impressed with how well behaved and fun he was!!

Oh, and our 14 year old daughter is really interested in science and nature and it has been so fun that Kaya and Chris are both scientists! It’s been like having an encyclopedia onboard! We really enjoyed learning so much about all the birds, sea life, and topography of the area!

What an absolutely amazing trip we’ve had!!

Beautiful and Exciting

Anna - 14yrs old

My family took a trip on this yacht and it was amazing! This is the most beautiful and exciting trip I’ve ever been on.

I love boats so much and it’s so refreshing to be on this boat. We went scuba diving and Chris was my instructor. We saw 2 sea turtles and lots of fish! I was so excited to see the turtles because that was one of my goals for the trip.

Kaya is an amazing cook and I’m not usually adventurous as far as food goes - her food is so good!
We’ve also gone to the beach and that was really fun!
I would definitely take this trip again!



We could not have selected a better boat or a better crew.

This is our first sailing experience and it was fantastic. We could not have selected a better boat or a better crew. Kaya and Chris are amazing hosts, guides, educators, conversationalists, and just great people! We enjoyed all our time spent with them and Waldo! :) Kaya is the most wonderful chef who was very attentive to our preferences. Every meal was a 5 star experience. Kaya is so inventive and meticulous to ensure each meal was a complete dining experience.
Chris is a wonderful dive teacher and very patient to assist my husband in re-learning to dive. The foil was a bonus as well. We never once worried for anything and all our expectations were exceeded! Well done and many thanks!

What a wonderful customized experience!

This charter was such a wonderful customized experience. I hardly can express my thanks to Kaya and Chris for their attention to detail at every level! From mapping each day’s itinerary in terms of multiple options, I really liked the kayaks around the rocks, and also the rowboat! I especially loved the sailing! That sound of the motor switching off and just the wind and elements, definitely one of the highlights for me. :) No pressure to do anything whatsoever each day. I had only been on a 4 day charter in Thailand many years ago, so I had forgotten what it was like to be on a boat for consecutive days. I had very little motion sickness at all so was happy about that. It fell away completely once we began the journey. Even so, I appreciated the thought they took into choosing the calm mooring points. Both of them are expert mariners in their waters. It was fun discussing everything over dinner (travels, life experiences, etc…). In general I always like being around scientists and researchers so that was a definite bonus of this trip; in French, a lagniappe, “something extra or unexpected.”
Overall, this was a top level experience. To say nothing of the fantastic gourmet food would be a serious oversight! Kaya is a gourmet chef and it really blew us both away! The way she paired up different ingredients, fresh herbs, so much flavor and variation! Every single day, every meal! Thank you guys so much!

We only have words of gratitude!

Last week we embarked on a week-long journey aboard charter vessel Physalia, visiting the islands of St. Thomas and St. John, as well as other small islands nearby.
For us it was the first time that we went on a charter vacation and we truly loved the experience.
The crew, Captain Chris and first mate Kaya, were incredibly lovable and empathetic, and especially the company of their pet, Waldo, was truly a joy. They were super attentive to all our necessities, Kaya prepared meals that were truly fabulous, and both being marine scientists with profound knowledge of the area, they gave us lessons on marine biology of the Virgin Islands and we were able to learn so much, especially our little Theo of four and a half years of age.
They were especially lovable and patient with Theo, respecting his schedule and tantrums, in addition to facilitating everything necessary for us to enjoy a vacation in the ocean.
We only have words of gratitude for this experience and we want to recommend the experience to all of our friends!
Thank you so much!

Solamente tenemos palabras de agradecimiento

"La semana pasada estuvimos embarcados durante una semana en Charter Physalia, visitando las islas de St.Thomas y St.John, y también algunas pequeñas islas alrededor.
Para nosotros era la primera vez que realizábamos un viaje en un Charter y realmente nos encantó la experiencia. La pareja conformada por el Capitán Chris y su ayudante Kaya fueron super amables y empáticos, y especialmente la compañía de su mascota Waldo fue todo un encanto. Fueron súper atentos ante cada necesidad, Kaya preparó comidas realmente fabulosas, y al ser científicos ambos que conocen profundamente la zona, nos dieron clases de biología marina de las Islas Vírgenes que pudimos aprender muchísimo, sobre todo nuestro pequeño Theo de 4 años y medio. Especialmente fueron super amables y pacientes con Theo respetando sus horarios y berrinches, además de facilitar todo lo necesario para disfrutar unas vacaciones en el mar. Solamente tenemos palabras de agradecimiento por la experiencia y queremos recomendar la experiencia a todos nuestro amigos!
Muchas gracias!

Great With Kids!

Chris and Kaya have taken our family under their sails several times. From teaching my wife and daughter how to venture around St Thomas on Hobie Cats to incredible snorkeling pictures of my son with turtles and stingrays in St John. They are great with kids and have and incredible knowledge base and appreciation of the ocean.


Spectacular Trip

Chris and Kaya were amazing hosts, tour guides, cooks, and sailing experts along with incredible knowledge of St. Thomas and the US Virgin Islands. They facilitated an amazing itinerary that helped create memories our family will cherish for many years. We highly recommend sailing with Chirs and Kaya for a spectacular trip.

Awesome Time

Awesome time on the water. They were outstanding and enabled us to all experience a great time. Our group of sailing enthusiasts couldn't have had more fun as they showcased their expert sailing skills. Their great attitude and hospitality made for a festive time that was enjoyed by all and that will be long remembered.

We couldn't have had a better experience.


It Was Absolutely Amazing

We booked the catamaran for a trip around St. Thomas. It was absolutely amazing. the crew were beyond accommodating. These guys really enjoy their job and made our experience great. We were laughing the entire time. the boat was extremely clean!
We snorkeled, paddle boarded, took the dinghy everywhere.

We couldn't have asked for more. We will definitely be using them again and recommending them to friends and family

Perfect Crew For Us


Captain Chris and Kaya were the perfect crew for us. Chris exceeded our expectations! He found the perfect spots for our families to snorkel and enjoy the islands.
I would sail with them any day!


Truly Grateful

Chris and Kaya were tremendous hosts. From the beginning when Kaya had us remove our footwear until Chris brought us safely back to Charlotte Amalie, we made some great family memories to last a lifetime!
Kaya's meal preparations were exquisite and Chris' knowledge of the islands was vast. The sushi night was a fun event, thought of by Kaya!

We are eternally grateful for the professionalism that was extended to our family. Thank you, Chris and Kaya! Hope to see you again!
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